Venting Device for Liquid Container

ABSTRACT

An air-venting device for use in venting a can or other vessel containing a liquid to reduce or eliminate spilling or surging of the liquid during pouring said device having an elongated member and a sealing member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/894,039 filed Oct. 22, 2013, herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for venting a container thatdoes not have an air vent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a venting device that can be attachedto a container, especially a container for liquids to facilitate pouringa liquid therefrom. Generally, fluids are stored in a container whichpermits dispensing the liquid through a spout or other opening when theneed arises. Many household and/or industrial liquid products are soldin plastic, metal, or other type of container. For example, a variety ofsolvents, oils, varnishes, thinners, and fuels are commonly sold toconsumers in cans that have a pouring spout but no air venting port. Theabsence of an air vent makes it difficult to pour liquid from thecontainer.

Liquid containers frequently include a screw-on or other cap that isremoved when pouring liquid from the container. However, when pouringliquid from an unvented vessel, especially an organic or volatileliquid, uncontrolled surging and spilling often results, especially whenthe vessel is full. Such surging results from an imbalance of airpressure and hydrostatic resistance owing to the absence of an air vent.Spillage of organic or volatile liquids can present a safety concern asmany such liquids create a fire hazard and/or are toxic to humans andother mammals, not to mention potential harm to the environment. Facedwith this problem, consumers typically resort to a variety of“quick-fix” solutions such as driving a nail or other sharp object intothe container to open a hole, and closing the hole with a piece of tape.While such practices may provide a crude vent, they can lead toadditional problems, such as not being able to adequately seal themake-shift vent hole after it is created and promoting additionalspillage and contamination through the make-shift vent hole that usuallycannot be adequately sealed.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,210,676 (“233 patent”) provides a tubular spout thatincludes an air venting tube with a check valve for mounting to liquidcontaining receptacles.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,330 (“330 patent”) provides a venting tube whichcommences externally to the liquid container at a point substantially ator above the level of the liquid when the container is in its pouringposition.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,167,221 (“221 patent”) provides a reversible, ventedspout for mounting to a gasoline can.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,414 (“414 patent”) provides a self-venting cap forcontainers which includes a flexible tube and a float at the end of thetube.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,704 (“704 patent”) provides a nozzle assemblyincluding a ball valve for use with a gasoline can.

While prior devices resolve some of the problems associated withunvented cans, there remains a need for a convenient, effective,easy-to-use device that can be retrofitted to a liquid-containing can orother receptacle to provide suitable air venting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device and method for venting a can orother container which contains, or is intended to contain, a liquid suchas an organic, non-organic, volatile, or non-volatile liquid, or anyother type of liquid or fluid. A device and method of the invention areuseful for preventing spills and surging when pouring a liquid from anunvented container. Many solvents, cleaners, fuels, oils or otherliquids for household or industrial use are sold to the consumer in acan or other type of container that lacks a venting port. For example,many paint products and solvents such as paint thinner or mineralspirits are sold in a can having a removable cap for pouring the liquidbut no venting port. As a result, it is generally difficult to pour fromthe container, especially when the container is full, without splashingthe liquid on the skin and/or the surrounding environment. A device ofthe present invention provides an easy means to provide a venting porton a container including retrofitting a can that lacks such a ventingport in order to facilitate pouring and prevent surging and spillage. Anadditional advantage of a device of the invention is that it provides aport through which small amounts of liquid can be poured when smallervolumes are desired. p Accordingly, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a convenient, easy-to-use air venting device foruse with an unvented can or other vessel containing a liquid, forexample, a volatile liquid. A device of the invention can beoperably-attached to such a vessel, including retrofitting the deviceonto an unvented vessel including cans that contain liquids such assolvents, thinners, organics, fuels, gasoline, etc.

It is another object of the present invention to provide aneasy-to-perform method for attaching a vent port onto an unvented can orother vessel, including retrofitting unvented vessels with a device ofthe invention, to prevent surging and spillage when pouring from anunvented can.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a deviceof the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the cap member of a device of theinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the device and seal member of theinvention.

FIG. 4 a provides a perspective view showing a device of the inventionin position for attachment to a can.

FIG. 4 b provides a perspective view showing a device of the inventionafter it has been attached to a can.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “liquid” refers to any volatile or non-volatile liquid.The term “volatile liquid” generally refers to any organic liquidincluding, for example, any alcohol, ether, paint thinner, mineralspirit, fuel, gasoline, or any other type of household or industrialliquid for use around the home or in an industrial environment formaintenance of property, for fueling or maintaining machines includingpower tools, power saws, lawnmowers, weed-eaters, etc.

As used herein, the terms “can”, “vessel”, “receptacle”, or “container”are used interchangeably and generally refer to a vessel for containingany type of fluid or liquid, including but not limited to, a volatile ororganic liquid, which are commonly manufactured and sold without an airvent. Containers of this type are generally sold with a pouring spouthaving a screw-on or other type of sealing cap but no venting port. Suchvessels are constructed from a variety of materials including but notlimited to metal and plastic.

As used herein, the terms “retrofit” or “retrofitting” mean tooperably-attach or mount a device of the present invention to a can orother vessel which contains or is intended to contain, a liquid when thecan lacks a venting port.

A device of the invention provides a simple and effective venting meansfor containers not otherwise equipped with such so that air can freelyflow to allow controlled pouring of liquid from the vessel. In oneembodiment, a device of the invention includes an elongated member forpenetrating and venting the container, and a sealing member to ensurethat the venting port does not leak. The elongated member penetrates asurface of a vessel, typically the upper surface, to provide an air flowchannel. The elongated member may, but not necessarily will, be integralwith the sealing member. For example, in one embodiment the elongatedmember includes a hollow, axially-positioned channel runningtherethrough. In other embodiments, a device of the invention comprisesseparate elongated and sealing members. A device of the inventionpreferably also includes a capping member for placement over the top ofthe elongated member to prevent evaporation when not in use.

Referring now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a device of theinvention will now be described in more detail. FIG. 1 illustratesventing device 10 which includes elongated member 22 having a head 16 atthe top end and an opening 28 at the bottom end. In a preferredembodiment, head 16 includes an angular sloping wall 17 that facilitatesa tight seal with seal top portion 21. An air channel 18 runs axiallythrough the center of elongated member 22 terminating in top opening 24located on head 16, and in bottom opening 28 at the other end ofelongated member 22. Top opening 24 provides an opening through whichair travels through air channel 18 and out bottom opening 28. Device 10also includes a sealing member 20 that provides a seat or seal forattaching device 10 to a can or vessel. Sealing member 20 includes a topportion 21 and bottom portion 23 which include a conduit through whichelongated member 22 can pass. Top portion 21 engages with head wall 17to form a tight seal. Bottom portion 23 of sealing member 20 engageswith a surface of a can to which device 10 is applied, preferably thetop surface. Top portion 21 and bottom portion 23 of sealing member 20may be integral or separate members.

Preferably device 10 includes a cap member 12 and cap tether 14 forcovering top opening 24 when the device is not in use. Cap 12 includes arecessed dome 13 to accommodate head 16 when the cap is pressed down tocover top opening 24. As depicted in FIG. 2, the underside of cap 12includes a lip 15 that fits over the top portion 21 of seal member 20when in the closed position. Cap 12 further includes a tab member 19 tofacilitate opening and closing the cap. This embodiment of device 10further includes a plurality of threads 30 that extend radially outwardfrom the elongated member 22. Threads 30 facilitate penetration ofdevice 10 into a can or other vessel during mounting of the device,whereby a rotational force is applied to “screw” the device into a can.In a preferred embodiment, device 10 terminates at bottom opening 28with a tapered, pointed end. For convenience, device 10 may include oneor more slots 32 on the top surface of vent head 16 to engage with ascrew driver during attachment of the device to a can or other vessel.

FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of device 10 showing air channel 18,elongated member 22, O-ring 25, and bottom portion seal 23.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b shown schematically is an embodimentof device 10 as depicted in FIG. 1 as it is being attached to a can ofpaint thinner 50 (FIG. 4 a). The can 50 includes an upper surface area54 and a screw-cap pouring spout 52 located at one end of the uppersurface 54. In this embodiment, venting device 10 has been attached andseated on the upper surface 54 of the can at the end opposite theposition of the pouring spout 52. Preferably, device 10 is mounted asshown in FIG. 4 a though it should be understood that it could be placedat any location on the upper surface 54 or other region of the can. FIG.4 a depicts device 10 in the ready position prior to being fully andoperably-engaged with can 50. A user would tap device 10 with a hammeror other heavy object to create a small dent or hole 53 for positioningthe desired location of device 10. Full engagement of device 10 with thecan is achieved by rotating device 10 with a screw driver to engagebottom seal 23 with upper surface 54, as depicted in FIG. 4 b.

A device of the invention can be fabricated de novo from metal orplastic, or any other suitably resilient manorial using standard toolingtechniques to form the members of the device. Alternatively, some or allcomponents of a device of the invention may be fabricated frompre-existing parts. For example, elongated member 22 can be fabricatedfrom a stainless steel or brass metal screw of suitable dimensions, forexample, about 1 inch to 1.5 inches in length, with a one-quarter inchdiameter bead by drilling or boring a hollow chamber through thelongitudinal axis of the screw. For reasons of safety, brass ispreferred in order to reduce the chance of sparking and the resultingfire hazard during mounting the device. Vent cap 12, top portion 21,bottom portion seal 23, and O-ring 25 are most conveniently fabricatedfrom any suitable plastic or rubber material. These cap and sealingmembers can be fabricated as a single unit or as separate pieces thatincludes a central opening to accommodate elongated member 22.

A device of the invention is operably-mounted or attached to a vesselthat either contains a liquid or is intended to contain a liquid.Preferably, a device of the invention is mounted to the top of thevessel such that air can flow into the inner chamber of the vessel tofacilitate smooth pouring of a liquid from the spout of the vessel. Forpurposes of illustrating use of a device of the invention, referencewill now be made to FIG. 4. Initially a user of a device of theinvention mounts or inserts the device such that it penetrates thesurface of the vessel and operably-positions the vent shaft and airchannel to enable air flow to the inner chamber of the vessel. Thedevice can be inserted into the vessel, for example, by first punchingor drilling a suitably-sized hole to accommodate elongated member 22 ofthe device. This can be done using any suitable instrument or tool suchas a nail or ice pick; alternatively in one embodiment the device itselfcan be used to punch a hole for insertion into the can. Device 10includes a plurality of threads that enable the device to be rotated orscrewed into the vessel using a screw driver to form a tight sealbetween the sealing member and the top surface of the vessel.

While the form of the device herein described constitutes a preferredembodiment of the invention, it should be understood that the inventionis not limited to the precise from of apparatus or device, and thatchanges may be made therein without departing from the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A venting device for mounting to a liquidcontainer not having an air vent, comprising: a. an elongated memberhaving a top portion and a bottom portion, said elongated member havinga channel running axially therethrough and terminating at either end inopenings; and b. a sealing member having a top surface and a bottomsurface, said sealing member being interposed between the top portion ofsaid elongated member and a surface of a container to which the deviceis mounted.
 2. A venting device as in claim 1 wherein the elongatedmember passes through the sealing member leaving the top portion of theelongated member protruding away from the top surface of the sealingmember, and the bottom portion of the elongated member protruding awayfrom the bottom surface of the sealing member.
 3. A venting device as inclaim 2 wherein the top portion of the elongated member includes a headthat engages with the top surface of the sealing member, said headincluding one of the terminal openings of said channel.
 4. A ventingdevice as in claim 3 wherein the top surface of the sealing memberincludes a top seal and the bottom surface of the sealing memberincludes a bottom seal.
 5. A venting device as in claim 4 wherein saidhead includes sloping walls.
 6. A venting device as in claim 5 whereinthe bottom portion of the elongated member includes a plurality ofthreads that assist in penetrating the surface of the container when thedevice is operably-mounted.
 7. A device as in claim 6 further comprisinga cap that fits over said head.
 8. A device as in claim 7 wherein thebottom portion of the elongated member terminates with a tapered end. 9.A venting device for mounting to a liquid container not having an airvent, composing: a. an elongated member having a top portion and abottom portion, said elongated member including a head with slopingwalls and having a channel running axially therethrough and terminatingat either end in an opening; b. a sealing member having a top surfaceand a bottom surface, said sealing member being interposed between thetop portion of said elongated member and a surface of a container towhich the device is mounted, wherein the top surface of the sealingmember includes a top seal and the bottom surface of the sealing memberincludes a bottom seal; wherein the elongated member engages with thetop surface of the sealing member and passes through the sealing memberleaving the head of the elongated member protruding away from the topsurface of the sealing member, and the bottom portion of the elongatedmember protruding away from the bottom surface of the sealing member;and wherein the bottom portion of the elongated member terminates with atapered end and includes a plurality of threads that assist inpenetrating the surface of the container when the device isoperably-mounted.
 10. A method for retrofitting a container for a liquidwith a venting port to prevent surging and spilling when liquid ispoured from said container, comprising: a. securing a container forliquid wherein said container does not possess a venting port; b.mounting on a surface of said container a venting device to allow airequilibration, said device comprising an elongated member having an airchannel, and a sealing member interposed between the surface of thecontainer and the venting device.